Attractions and Places To See around Lansing - Top 12

Lansing offers several natural areas for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore the Lansing River Trail, a 20-mile paved path along the Grand and Red Cedar Rivers, connecting various parks and natural spaces. For a more extensive natural experience, visit Woldumar Nature Center with 180 acres of forests and wetlands, or Fenner Nature Center, offering four miles of trails for walking and wildlife observation.

Yes, Lansing is rich in history. The Michigan State Capitol Building is a National Historic Landmark known for its Victorian architecture and offers public tours. You can also see the iconic Art Deco Boji Tower, Lansing's tallest building, or step back in time at the Turner-Dodge House and Heritage Center, an 1855 mansion showcasing early pioneer history.

Lansing boasts a variety of cultural sites. The Michigan History Center provides a deep dive into the state's past, while the R.E. Olds Transportation Museum showcases vintage automobiles. For art lovers, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum on the MSU campus features striking architecture and contemporary art, with free admission. Old Town Lansing also offers a vibrant arts district with galleries and boutiques.

Families will find plenty to do. Potter Park Zoo is home to over 100 species, including endangered animals, and offers educational programs. The Impression 5 Science Center provides interactive, hands-on exhibits for children. Additionally, Hawk Island Park features a splash pad, sandy beach, and winter tubing, making it a year-round family destination.

For scenic river views, head to the View of the Red Cedar River, a popular spot in East Lansing to admire the water. The Grand River itself, Michigan's longest river, offers numerous viewpoints along its banks, especially accessible via the Lansing River Trail.

Yes, there are many hiking opportunities. You can find trails at Burchfield Park, which offers over 500 acres of multi-use trails for various difficulty levels. The Lansing River Trail also provides extensive walking and jogging paths. For more options, explore easy hikes like the Granger Meadows and Valley Farms Trail or the Northern Tier Trail Loop, detailed in our guide to Easy hikes around Lansing.

Lansing is great for cycling, especially along the Lansing River Trail, which is a 20-mile paved path suitable for bikes. For longer rides, consider routes like the Lansing River Trail Loop or the Red Cedar Natural Area – Hawk Island County Park loop. You can find more detailed cycling routes in our guide to Road Cycling Routes around Lansing.

The Lansing River Trail is known for its paved access, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers, connecting various parks and natural areas along the river. Many sections of the trail are designed to be accessible.

The Michigan State University campus in East Lansing is a destination in itself. You can stroll through its historic grounds, visit landmarks like Beaumont Tower and the Sparty Statue, or explore the beautiful MSU Horticultural Gardens and 4-H Children's Garden. The Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum is also located on campus, offering free admission to its contemporary art exhibits.

Yes, Lansing offers winter fun, particularly at Hawk Island Park, where visitors can enjoy sledding and tubing. Some parks with trails, like Burchfield Park, also offer opportunities for cross-country skiing during the colder months.

Old Town Lansing is a vibrant cultural hotspot, revitalized with colorful storefronts, art galleries, boutiques, pubs, and restaurants. It's a great place to experience the city's artistic side and often hosts events like Arts Night Out, offering a lively atmosphere.

To learn about Michigan's judicial process, visit the Michigan Supreme Court Learning Center. Here, you can explore a model courtroom, pose with Lady Justice, and gain insights into the state's legal system.